Jez at StarWarsHelmets.com sent me a link to an excellent “video review” of an original Stormtrooper helmet he had an opportunity to examine in 2004. This is a very rare helmet in that it is HDPE/Polythene “Fishpond” helmets produced for Star Wars: A New Hope before changing to use of ABS material. More, it was subsequently reused in The Empire Strikes Back, and screen-matched to a scene in the film. [Read more…]
I highly recommend collectors check out the latest article posted by Jez at his StarWarsHelmets.com website, which features quality photos of a very rare original Imperial AT-AT Driver prop helmet from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. [Read more…]
There is an interesting article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review by “retired business editor” and columnist Jack Markowitz – “Pop Culture Collectors Really Need to Take Stock” – which essentially denigrates the entire pursuit of collecting and preserving original movie and television props and costumes, as well as those who participate in the hobby. This is my first exposure to this journalist’s work, but his premise seems to be that if something is not a Rembrandt or otherwise predate the invention of automobiles, film, and television, it is of no value – though value and money seem to be the focus of his feature. [Read more…]
Profiles in History 32 was held yesterday and today, with the vintage photos and related material making up Day 1 and posters, one sheets, props, costumes, and related material making up Day 2. The auction was held on site at Profiles in Calabasas Hills, with off-site bidding available over the Internet via eBay Live Auctions, by fax, and by phone. [Read more…]
Given the British High Court ruling on the case of Lucasfilm vs. Andrew Ainsworth (see Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth High Court Ruling: Full Document from Royal Courts of Justice), and the additional information available from the court documents, I thought it would be a good opportunity to build on the prior OPB article exploring the “prototype” Stormtrooper helmets (see Star Wars “Prototype” Stormtrooper Helmets) trading in the marketplace as original and authentic precursors to the helmets used on set and filmed in Star Wars: A New Hope. [Read more…]
“Exoray” from the RPF is hosting a full HTML version of the High Court ruling on the case between Lucasfilm and Andrew Ainsworth in the legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. I have not had time to review the full ruling in detail, but thought readers would be interested in reviewing it first hand: [Read more…]
News reports are flooding in with regard to the Lucasfilm legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. This legal battle, transplanted from the United States to the UK, is between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios. The High Court judge handed down his ruling today, and the outcome, or “victory”, is dependent upon who you ask or what news story you might be reading. One headline reads “Lucas Wins Stormtrooper Case” while another proclaims “Judge’s force is with stormtroooper helmet designer“, which would lead one to believe The Guardian probably has it correct: “George Lucas reaches stalemate in legal battle over Star Wars stormtroopers“. [Read more…]
As reported in April and May (see Premier Collectible Auctions – Catalog Out, Online Bidding Live), a new venture called Premier Collectibles launched with a auction held during and in proximity to the Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego last week. While predominently a toy/action figure auction event, there were some original props and costumes, so I thought it would be appropriate to make note of the results below. [Read more…]